In August news, nuke-free art auction event, counter nuke push, Bright Forest FUNdraiser art auction, Energy Champions Leadership programme, transport action with Sustainable Cities collective, Act on Climate update, campaign story-making meeting, keeping our eyes on koalas, kangaroo collective volunteer meet up, plus more!
Come along to our fabulous 2024 Nuke-free Art Auction 31 Aug at Catalyst Social Centre, Coburg, with Uncle Winiatas music at 7.30 pm, and live auction at 8 pm. Bidding online from 16-30 Aug, RSVP here.
Also, get into action to counter Dutton’s nuclear push via anti-nuke petitions, a webinar, and share resources.
Australia’s iconic snow gum woodlands and alpine ash communities are under threat from the increased frequency of bush fires. Lack of live mature trees leads to lack of seed. No seed means no new seedlings to replace the burnt high country forests. Up to 90% of our snow gum forests are under threat right now. Join us at the Bright Brewery for our Forest FUNdraiser Art Auction 8 Sept, with live music, door prizes, info and merch stalls and gorgeous art works to view prior and purchase. Info & RSVP.
Apply Now for the Energy Champions Leadership Programme 2024!
This country has a potential like no other, with an abundance of renewable wind and solar potential. We believe that by working together we can get a better, fairer deal for our communities by delivering the fast, fair and just renewables transition we need. Creating healthy and safe communities for our children to grow means tackling our climate catastrophe head on: By cutting our carbon emissions, investing in good, regional jobs, and making our homes more resilient, we can begin to thrive again.
What happens when I sign up? The Energy Champions Leadership Programme is a series of FREE one day training sessions across several locations in Victoria. Too often ordinary people are denied a say over how their power is produced and priced. If you want to build confidence, tell your story, and campaign for change, we want to work with you! Read more & apply.
Sustainable Cities: transport action updates
Climate Council reveals inequality inbuilt in Melbourne’s transport system
Buses present the most effective way to address this problem and give disadvantaged melburnians the chances they deserve. The Climate Council “Next Stop Suburbia Report” has uncovered the deep inequality at the heart of the Melbourne public transport system. Whilst only 52.5% of Melburnians have access to usable public transport, this is 27% lower in suburbs with lower incomes. Read more.
Melburnians support bus reform in latest poll
It is time for the government to listen to the public and act. A recent survey from the Committee for Melbourne, an apolitical, not-for-profit, member-based organisation that brings together over 140 organisations from Greater Melbourne’s business, academic and community sectors, has shown that 66% of Melburnians support bus reform, compared to only 50% who support the North-East Link.
(image courtesy of Committee for Melbourne 'Living in Melbourne 2024 report')
Melburnians are growing tired of a seemingly endless stream of road projects which do not solve the root cause of congestion and are looking for better solutions. Whilst in the past bus reform was not at the forefront of public attention, the failure of the government to provide adequate services in both established and growing areas is leading to an inevitable climb in support for bus reform. Read more.
Better Buses Campaign Welcomes Investment into Safe Road Crossings
To make main road buses work properly, passengers must be able to safely cross the road to get to their stop. The government has announced a $23m package for improving pedestrian safety in East Melbourne, Brunswick West and near Dandenong Market. This will make pedestrians safer and encourage more walking. However, as every trip begins and ends with walking, this will improve access to buses as well. Unfortunately whilst this is a start, much more needs to be done. Read more.
SKAT update: Won Wron State forest koalas surveyed
Friends of the Earth has started more "in depth" surveying of Won Wron State Forest for koalas. After surveying nearby Mullungdung State Forest for almost three years, the focus has now turned to the 7,000 hectare Won Wron forest. About 20% of Won Wron has been surveyed. Although koala numbers at Won Wron appear to be lower than Mullungdung, FoE is encouraged to have found scats at a number of locations, associated mainly with Mountain Grey Gums. The surveys are urgently needed as we continue to try and better understand the Strzelecki/South Gippsland koala. Read more.
Get your Act on Climate July update and join the next Campaign story-making meeting 20 Aug at 6pm, including dinner, RSVP.
Our next Kangaroo Collective volunteer get together is 6pm-8pm 5 Sept, rego here.